Minister ‘happy’ with security in jail

A day before the trial of lone terrorist captured in the 26/11 attack Mohammed Ajmal Amir Kasab begins, Minister of State for Home (Urban) Naseem Khan visited Arthur Road jail to check the security arrangements and other provisions made for a “free, fair and speedy trial”.

The 26/11 trial would be conducted in a special court constructed inside the jail premises. Kasab will be led directly to the court through the specially constructed bombproof tunnel connecting the court to the Anda cell, where he is currently lodged.

On Wednesday, the prosecution is expected to open and present its case against Kasab and alleged ‘mapmakers’ Fahim Ansari and Sabauddin Ahmed.

Local police as well as jail security staff were posted outside the prison, hours before Khan’s arrival even as media and curious onlookers lined along Sane Guriji Marg since afternoon. Khan reached the jail at 4.15 pm — about 15 minutes after his scheduled arrival — in a white Honda Accord followed by beefy security men carrying AK-47s.

Swati Sathe, the superintendent of the jail, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone III) Suhas Warke and Assistant Commissioner of Police Vilas Marathe received Khan and escorted him inside the premises via the entrance leading to the newly constructed special court. Khan reviewed the security arrangements for around 45 minutes and also had a discussion with Sathe.

Khan later told the media that he was “very satisfied” with the security measures that have been initiated to conduct the trial and for Kasab’s safety.

“The security arrangements are foolproof. Every minute detail has been taken care of. Adequate provisions have been made to ensure a speedy trial. As far as Kasab’s safety is concerned, various measures have been made to ensure that he is safe and secure,” Khan said.